Missouri Certified Economic Developer Program

BACKGROUND

The economic development industry is becoming more competitive and high profile than ever before. Within this context, the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) and the Missouri Department of Economic Development (MODED) have undertaken a thorough review of how Missouri compares with other competing areas. One opportunity for sustained advantage identified throughout that process was the elevation of the economic development profession. To that end, the State and MEDC have developed a Missouri Certified Economic Developer Program, MoCED.

The MoCED designation represents the Missouri economic development practitioner’s commitment to advancing Missouri’s economy and elevating the economic development profession. The MoCED designation certifies that the Missouri economic development professional has a broad understanding of Missouri’s economic development assets, and can serve as knowledgeable resources and liaisons for businesses and communities as they look to grow and thrive in Missouri.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the certification program are:

To provide resources to the Missouri economic development practitioner in order to answer questions relevant to doing business in the State of Missouri.
To insure effective representation of Missouri economic development organization(s) by economic development professionals educated in the specifics of Missouri.
To continually elevate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals in Missouri’s economic development industry.
To reward the accomplishment of Missouri economic development professionals.

CORE CONTENT AREAS

The MoCED certification process concludes with an exam that tests the Missouri economic developer’s knowledge in ten core content areas:

Economic Development Processes and Preparation
Economic Development Terminology
Missouri’s Business Climate
Missouri Data: Stats and Sources
Missouri Incentives and Technical Assistance Programs
State Agencies and Organizations
State Characteristics
State Government
Transportation Assets
Utility Terms and Conversions

MOCED CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Exam Prerequisites

To sit for the MoCED certification exam, Missouri economic development professionals must:

Complete a Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) or have ten years of experience in the field of economic development.
Have at least two consecutive years in the economic development field in Missouri either paid, volunteer or combination.
Be an active member of Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC).
Complete four required pre-exam courses or workshops as offered through MEDC (waived if ten years or more experience in the economic development field in Missouri).
Complete the certification exam application and pay associated fee.

Certification Exam

The fee to take the initial exam is $295.00.
A score of 85% or higher on the exam will be considered a passing grade and certification will be issued. If lower than 85%, the member will need to retake the exam.
Any MEDC member interested in retaking the MoCED Exam after the first failed attempt will have to complete the exam within 90 days from the attempt or next available exam opportunity. *No additional fee for the first retake of the MoCED Exam.
Any MEDC member interested in retaking the MoCED Exam after the second failed attempt will be required to restart the MoCED application process again and pay the MoCED Exam fee of $295.00.
If passed, the certification will be active for five years from the date the member passes the exam.
Scholarships may be available to assist the member with the costs associated with attending the four required pre-exam courses or workshops and/or the exam fees.

Download MoCED Exam Application

Recertification

To maintain the MoCED certification, every five years Missouri economic development professionals must:

Demonstrate annual attendance at MEDC Conferences (attend at least one per year).
Be an active member of MEDC.
Complete the recertification exam application and pay a discounted fee of $150.00.
Sit for the exam.
A score of 85% or higher on the exam will be considered a passing grade and recertification will be issued. If lower than 85%, the member will need to retake the exam.
If member does not pass the exam, the cost to retake the test is $150 for every attempt thereafter.
If passed, the certification will be active for five years from the date the member passes the recertification exam.

ORGANIZATION OF THE MANUAL

This manual is designed as a companion study guide to the courses and workshops offered for Missouri economic developers through the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) as training for the MoCED certification. This manual includes key information for the certification exam, but will not replicate the valuable supplemental knowledge and experience gained by attending an MEDC course or workshop. Course and workshop instructors bring firsthand expertise to the core content areas and will provide additional details and resources useful to the Missouri economic development practitioner. This manual is not intended to replace instruction for the practice of economic development, rather it covers key Missouri resources, highlights, and programs for Missouri economic development professionals.

To access the Study Guide and Resource Manual please contact Brandon Atchison, brandon.atchison@showme.org.

UPCOMING MOCED EXAM DATES

Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 to 10:00 am
Location: Courtyard by Marriott Jefferson City
Room: Meeting Room B

Date: June 2, 2025
Time: 8:00 to 10:00 am
Location: Branson Convention Center
Room: TBD